Aimed at enhancing the safety of women in the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has established its first all-female safety squad in Srinagar. This pioneering effort is designed to provide immediate assistance to women in distress, particularly around schools, colleges, universities, coaching centers, and popular tourist destinations.
The newly formed female squads are strategically deployed across various parts of Srinagar to foster a sense of security among women in public spaces. The police have also introduced dedicated helpline numbers for females facing harassment or any other issues, ensuring that help is just a call away.
The all-female squad has been primarily stationed outside educational institutions and iconic tourist spots such as Dal Lake and Tulip Garden. Heads of these institutions have been encouraged to reach out to the squad should any incidents occur in their vicinity. Recognizing the urgent need for a dedicated team to address the concerns of women in the city, the Jammu and Kashmir Police took this significant step to empower female citizens.
Police Officer heading one of the female police squad Jugdesh Kaur emphasized the squad’s commitment to swiftly addressing harassment cases. “This is a female safety squad for the girls in the Valley. If there is a harassment case or any inappropriate comments made towards a girl, we respond immediately. Most of our calls come from coaching centers and educational institutions, and we patrol areas like Dal Lake every evening,” he stated.
The initiative has garnered widespread appreciation from the community, particularly among female students who expressed relief at the presence of female officers. “This is a very good initiative, and we feel our issues will be addressed properly. Now, we can easily contact female police officers who understand our feelings, making it much easier for us to report any complaints,” said Jazaa Jan, a student.
In a bid to further support women’s safety, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has made multiple helpline numbers available on various social media platforms, encouraging women to reach out without hesitation if they encounter any issues.